HC Deb 29 May 1922 vol 154 c1682
57. Mr. KILEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department have offered certain objections, on account of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to a commercial treaty or understanding with Czecho-Slovakia which would give favoured treatment to goods imported from Great Britain.

Mr. BALDWIN

I should be very glad to see the negotiations for a commercial agreement with Czecho-Slovakia reach a successful issue, but the existence of the Safeguarding of Industries Act is obviously one of the factors which have to be taken into account.

Captain W. BENN

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the proceedings of the Conference at Genoa, and the statement of the Prime Minister that the chariot would be driven to the goal. Why, therefore, should we be the people to interfere with Free Trade among the countries of Europe?

Mr. BALDWIN

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will send me the marked passages of the speech to which he refers.

Mr. KILEY

Will the President of the Board of Trade bear in mind the limited results achieved by this Act when considering the advantages that will accrue to the population of this country by making this treaty?

Mr. BALDWIN

I will bear that in mind.